FLUSHING TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WNEM) — Police are warning parents about an online predator network that is targeting children and teens.
The group known as 764 is using gaming platforms, social media apps and private messaging services to contact potential victims.
According to Flushing Township Police, members of this group use tactics including pretending to be a kid or teen, building trust through games and shared interests, moving conversations to private apps, manipulating and blackmailing victims for explicit photos, and using threats to control and silence victims.
Police provided the platforms most commonly used:
- Minecraft
- Roblox
- Discord
- TikTok
- Telegram
- Kik
- Steam
Police recommend parents watch out for warning signs, including sudden secrecy with devices, emotional distress tied to online contacts, unknown new online friends and fear about photos being shared.
If anyone suspects exploitation or online coercion, they can report it to the NCMEC CyberTipline, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or local law enforcement.
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